Probe under way in East Rochester fire that left cat dead, dog hospitalized

A prefire image of the house located at 13 Green St. in East Rochester. (Google earth photo)

EAST ROCHESTER - Fire officials are investigating the cause and origin of a Saturday house fire that claimed the life of a cat and left a dog suffering from smoke inhalation who is now in the care of a veterinarian.
The fire at 13 Green St. was called in by a neighbor around 4:10 p.m., Rochester Fire Capt. Eric Lenzi said today.
"When we arrived we saw white smoke," said Lenzi, who added that fire was confined to one first-floor room.
While crews were extinguishing the blaze they came across a cat who had perished and the dog who required immediate attention.
No occupants of the home were at the residence when firefighters arrived, Lenzi said.
One firefighter suffered a cut hand while fighting the fire.
The condition of the dog was not immediately known.
Berwick and Somersworth provided mutual aid, while Barrington, Strafford and Sanford, Maine, provided station coverage.

Firefighters cleared the scene around 6 p.m.
A deputy chief is continuing his probe into the cause and origin of the fire, Lenzi said.